Controversial former boxer and footy player Anthony Mundine has made a return to the rugby league field as he plans a professional comeback.

The former St George Illawara Dragons and Brisbane Broncos star gave up the sport in 2000 to pursue a boxing career but recently announced plans for a comeback.

The first step for the 42-year-old – who would be the NRL’s oldest ever player should he return to first grade – came on Saturday as he took the field at the Koori Knockout competition at Leichardt Oval in Sydney.

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Controversial former boxer and footy player Anthony Mundine has made a return to the rugby league field as he plans a professional comeback

Mundine took the field at the Koori Knockout competition at Leichardt Oval on Saturday